| |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| |
Ironstone Neapolitan Mastiffs
History and Mission
 Since the inception of our breeding program over 20 years ago, our mission at Ironstone has been to produce Neapolitan mastiffs which are true to the Italian type, and which also fulfill American society’s requirements for physical soundness and tractable temperament in dogs. The attainment of this goal is the culmination of many years of in depth study of the dogs in Italy. It is a result of studying the bloodlines of the dogs, of going to Italy to see the dogs and the methods of husbandry which the Italians employ in raising these dogs, of attending shows in Italy and other countries of Europe to see which lines of dogs were the typist and most sound. It is the result of photographing and video taping of hundreds of Neapolitan Mastiffs all over Europe and the USA in order to study their facial and body structure so as to completely understand the term "typical mastino expression" as referred to by the Italians. It is the result of years of purchasing many dogs from Italy and breeding certain dogs to others, studying the results, and with continual tracking and examination of all aspects of resultant puppies, determining which dogs would best be suited to satisfy the mission of the Ironstone breeding program.
Working the Dream
 Throughout these years of working to produce the highest quality Neapolitan Mastiffs, we have seen the results of our efforts in the many show champions we have made. We have seen it in the show champions which clients have made of puppies they have purchased from Ironstone. We have seen it in the standings that Ironstone dogs and their offspring have received in shows all over the world. We have seen it in the consistency of type and mind and temperament, which is found in Ironstone dogs all over the world.
The effort to produce such excellence has been tremendous, in terms of financial outlay as well as the time involved in the continual study of all aspects of the husbandry of these unique dogs. The physical and emotional stamina required to succeed in this sometimes elusive artistic endeavor is enormous. After 15 years of continuous study of the breed in all its aspects, I had to let the accumulation of so much information overflow into several books and videos which I hoped would make it easier fro other Neo aficionados to understand the breed. Unfortunately, the main book, The Official Book of the Neapolitan Mastiff published by TFH, is no longer in print. I am in the process of turning it into a DVD which I can update with more recent information and then put out to the public.
The Ironstone Neapolitan Mastiff program for 2008 and beyond
 Times are changing , and Americans are becoming more adapted to technology, and less in tune with Nature and animals. People have less time, space, money and knowledge to care for dogs such as Neapolitan mastiffs. These dogs need to be managed by people who are adept at handling such animals. As a result of changing societies, there will be fewer homes to be found for such a breed. Ironstone intends to keep an elite few Neapolitan Mastiffs, and from time to time there will be puppies available. They will be, in our opinion, some of the finest Neos to be found anywhere. They will be only for the certain few who are able to demonstrate ability to manage these special dogs. Hopefully, for the breed, there will always be a few people around with "animal sense" who can care for this ancient treasure properly.
Ironstone Enterprises Horses
 The goal of Ironstone Enterprises' breeding program is to to produce horses which are capable of excelling in the performance areas of dressage and reining. Though the two disciplines may at first seem worlds apart, the qualities needed by horses to excel in these athletic endeavors are very similar. We have purebred Hanoverians and also Quarter horses from specific reining and cutting horse families for sale.
At Ironstone as well, Jim Yarmush, who has bred Quarter Horses for over 25 years, has a fine collection of young stock and broodmares with some of the best bloodlines for halter and performance available anywhere. As the horse section of this website is developed, we will try to get more photos up. At present, please call if you are interested in show stock Quarter horses at reasonable prices.
If you are interested in young stock for reining or Warmbloods for dressage or jumping, please go to the Horses for Sale page and call 610-367-6446. Our address is 869 W. Pine Ford Rd, Boyertown, PA 19512.
Ironstone Veterinary Hospital
 Ironstone Veterinary Hospital is a high tech facility in a rural country doctor setting. It is situated on a 60 acre farm in the country, though it is surrounded by suburbs, shopping centers, and is easily accessible to cities. We take care of all sorts of pets as well as horses and some farm animals. When you come to Ironstone, you will see pastures with horses grazing and deer running. Guinea chickens will get in the way of your car, but just keep moving. It is a nice place to visit, and a great place for your pets.
At Ironstone, we espouse holistic medicine, and apply both homeopathic as well as allopathic methods. There is a boarding facility to accommodate every sort of pet, and a grooming parlor, where your pet will be made beautiful.
The staff at Ironstone may be its most important asset. They are loving and caring and happy. Pets which normally shun the vet, love to come here for the attention they get. They like to come to the country to run around in the grass, experience the different sights and smells. Ironstone is a good place to come to when your pet needs special care.
Ironstone Veterinary Hospital
869 West Pine Ford Rd
Boyertown, PA 19512
610-367-6446
Dr. Sherilyn Allen, VMD
Dr. Jacquiline Burke, VMD
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
